English
Consignments.
(1) Whoever, without lawful authority:
a) deliberately learns about the contents of or opens a
business or private closed or open letter, envelope or
correspondence, or accesses electronic, telegram, telephone
or telecommunication correspondence, commercial or
private closed letter or envelope, or a packet, a sealed
parcel or any consignment, which is not his; or
b) having learned of certain facts by opening, even by mistake
or negligence, such a closed envelope or parcel not
addressed to him, divulges such facts or derives a gain
therefrom,
is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine not exceeding one
thousand Birr, or according to the circumstances of the case,
with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months.
(2) Whoever intentionally and unlawfully intercepts, destroys,
retains or diverts from their true destination such
correspondence or packages, is punishable upon accusation with
simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, where his act
does not constitute a specific crime punishable more severely.
(3) Nothing shall affect the provisions relating to breach of official
secrecy, unlawful disposal of objects in charge and appropriation
and misappropriation in the discharge of duties by public
servants (Arts.397, 412 and 413).
